Austin Energy Power Partner Battery Program FAQ

What is Austin Energy's Power Partner Battery program?

The Power Partner Battery program rewards customers for allowing Austin Energy to partially discharge their battery storage systems during times of high demand.
Austin Energy sends signals to inverters that control batteries to reduce peak energy use, reduce air pollution, and lower electricity costs for the community.

How will I know if I’m eligible to enroll?

To participate in the Power Partner Battery program, you must be an Austin Energy electric customer. You must also use a battery storage system controlled by a supported battery or inverter manufacturer, and your battery must perform in accordance to your interconnection service agreement (ISA) with Austin Energy.
Please see the list of supported inverter manufacturers and battery models below. You can also reach out to your installer to see if they install one of the supported inverters.

FranklinWH

Eligible Inverters	Eligible Batteries
FranklinWH aPower X, aPower 2, and aPowerS*	FranklinWH aPower X, aPower 2, and aPowerS*

*aPowerS has built-in hybrid inverter while aPower2 and aPower X can be AC-coupled with with any PV-inverter

Please contact your battery vendor or installer for more information on which inverter and battery models are best suited for your system.

Where can I find the Terms and Conditions for the program?

FranklinWH

What is the incentive for purchasing and installing a new system?

You can earn $500 per new system purchased and installed after 2/18/25.

When and how will I receive my upfront incentive (limitations apply)?

The $500 upfront incentive will be paid via check within 1-2 billing cycles.
Note: customers are only eligible for the upfront incentive when they install and receive permission to operate (from Austin Energy) a new system after 2/18/25 and agree to participate in the program for 3 years.

What is the incentive for participating?

By enrolling and participating in the program, you earn $75 per average kW used throughout the year. On average customers can earn $324 per year in this program.

How much can I expect to earn throughout the season?

Your payment will be based on your average power contribution during peak events.
For example, a Tesla Powerwall has 13.5 kWh - 20% reserve gives us 10.8kWh of useable energy. Let’s assume an average of 2.5 hour events; 10.8/2.5 =3.6 kW performed average across events. 3.6 kW * $75 = ~$324 per battery.
((13.5 kWh*80%)/ 2.5 hours)*$75/kW = $324
Note: Battery system performance will vary based on size, configuration, internet connectivity, and other factors. Please contact your battery storage system vendor or installer for more information about your battery's expected contribution and the incentive you can expect to earn.

When and how can I expect to receive my incentive?

Incentive payments for performance will be made 8-10 weeks after the season end, paid as check. This check will be sent to your home address. Please be sure to give your correct home address when enrolling so that your incentive goes to the right place.

How can I ensure that I’ll still have backup energy if I need it?

Austin Energy will typically not call events if a severe storm is forecast to ensure customers battery storage systems can be utilized for backup power if needed.
In addition, some battery vendors can help you configure your system to limit how much your system will discharge during events. Please note however that this will affect how much your system will earn.

Can I participate if I have a battery storage system only (without solar)?

Customers who don’t have a renewable energy system but do have an energy storage system that charges from the electricity grid may participate in the Power Partner Battery program.

Do I need to maintain an internet connection to my energy storage system?

If we cannot communicate with your energy storage system, or if your energy storage system cannot discharge when needed (due to a maintenance issue), the incentive paid will be affected.

How am I notified of events?

Depending on your battery storage system manufacturer, notifications will appear in your web/mobile application.

How can I opt out of an event?

Ability to opt out of events varies by battery storage system manufacturer. Please check with your manufacturer or within your battery storage system mobile app for more information.

How do I unenroll from the program?

Please contact AEpowerpartner@austinenergy.com to unenroll from the Power Partner Battery program.

Austin Energy does not approve or endorse any one device or vendor over another and is not responsible for vendors’ services and products.

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